Arab News Japan

TOKYO: ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, met with a Jewish-American delegation on Friday and emphasized the importance of the Japan-US Alliance, noting that close exchanges between Japan and the American Jewish community is an important part of the bonds that underpin the Alliance.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry reported that the delegation of Jewish-American young leaders – recommended by B’nai B’rith International – was invited to Japan under the Kakehashi Project, which aims to increase the interest in and understanding of Japan among outstanding young leaders in the North American region.

Onishi said he welcomed the recent agreement that achieved a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and brought about the release of all the surviving hostages more than two years since the terrorist attacks by Hamas and others.

The delegation expressed their gratitude for the invitation to Japan and shared their impressions and aspirations for the visit. The participants also asked questions concerning Japan-Israel relations and Japan’s security environment.

Onishi expressed his hope that the delegation would contribute to the further development of Japan-US ties.